The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
